Clothes Making - Beginners and Intermediate
Course aims
This course will enable you to develop basic levels of skill, or to build on existing levels of skill in using sewing techniques and equipment, as well as your chosen fabrics and designs, to produce your own garments.
Will I gain any qualification?
No - this is a non-accredited course.
Course length
The course is for 10 weeks consisting of 25 guided learning hours.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to develop skills in using sewing machines and techniques make their own clothes
Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?
You won’t need experience of clothes making for this course. However, because the course involves taking notes and measurements you will need to have basic levels of English and maths. You will have a short initial assessment at the start of the course to ensure that it is suitable for you.
What will I learn?
- To use sewing machines, tools and equipment safely and correctly.
- To take and record body measurements for your chosen project.
- To produce samples of techniques.
- To produce a wearable item of clothing.
- An awareness of employment opportunities in the textiles industry.
What could this course lead to?
It could lead to short courses in other sewing techniques at Beginners and Intermediate Level, or to a qualification course in Textiles at Level 1.
How will I learn?
- Tutor demonstration and instruction.
- Exploring equipment, tools and techniques.
- Producing stitched samples.
By producing a small portfolio containing samples, information on techniques you have learned, and photographs of garments that you have made.
Your responsibilities as a learner on this course
To ensure that you gain maximum benefit from your course you will need to attend all sessions, be punctual, and bring the correct materials to each session.
Important information
Access to sewing machines and irons is available at all the centres.
Pattern drafting paper and fabrics for producing samples are available at the centres at an average cost of £2.40 for the length of the course. You may bring your own patterns and fabrics if preferred. It will cost an average of £15 for all your materials for the course. Access to a sewing machine at home is beneficial for practising techniques.
Further information will be provided by the tutor at enrolment.
You will need to provide:
- Your own fabric for your chosen project
- Scissors for fabric and paper, tape measure, pins, needles and sewing threads
- A folder to store stitched samples and written records
For the first week, you will need to bring a folder, pen and a tape measure.
